Hidden number plate with tape? Delhi Traffic Police tells what happens next
Delhi Traffic Police has acted against a vehicle for hiding part of its number plate. If you use tape or anything else to conceal registration details, here is what the number plate challan rule says.
Trying to hide a digit on your vehicle's number plate may seem like a simple way to avoid traffic cameras, but it can put you on the wrong side of the law. Delhi Traffic Police has clarified its action in a recent case involving a vehicle whose registration number plate was allegedly concealed.
The matter came to light after a social media user alleged that traffic police had issued a Rs 5,000 challan and also raised a bribery allegation. The complaint was shared on social media and tagged to Delhi Police, prompting an investigation by the traffic department.
WHAT DID DELHI TRAFFIC POLICE FIND?
According to Delhi Traffic Police, the complaint concerned a vehicle whose registration number plate was allegedly hidden or made unclear. The traffic staff verified the vehicle and identified it as registration number.
During the verification, police found that the vehicle was not complying with provisions relating to the proper display of its registration number plate. A case was then filed under Sections 50 and 51 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, along with Sections 39 and 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Delhi Traffic Police's published penalty information also lists defective, fancy or non-displayed number plates under these provisions, with a penalty of Rs 5,000 for the first offence and Rs 10,000 for a subsequent offence.
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT COVER YOUR NUMBER PLATE
A vehicle's registration number is meant to remain clearly visible. Covering even a part of it with tape or another material can make the number difficult to identify and can attract enforcement action.
This is particularly relevant as traffic enforcement increasingly relies on cameras and automated systems to identify vehicles and traffic violations. Trying to make a number plate unreadable does not provide protection from a challan.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BRIBERY ALLEGATION?
The original complaint also alleged that traffic personnel had demanded a bribe. Delhi Police said this allegation was investigated but no concrete evidence supporting the claim was found.
The police said the allegation of demanding or accepting a bribe appeared to be false, baseless and unsubstantiated. It also instructed the traffic field staff to remain vigilant and perform their duties according to the law.